People aged 70 and over could be losing out on hundreds of pounds every month in benefits and discounts they are fully entitled to, with one benefit alone worth more than £700 a month.
Many pensioners who rely on the state pension are struggling to make ends meet after restrictions were imposed on the Winter Fuel Payment by a ministerial vote earlier this week.
This will result in millions missing out on the £300 seasonal payment for the first time this year.
However, numerous pensioners may also be unwittingly missing out on hundreds of pounds in unclaimed benefits and other age-related discounts.
The state pension is perhaps the most recognised government-backed benefit for those aged 66 and over, but there are several other benefits that retirees may not know about, which they can only claim later in their retirement. These include free TV licences for those aged 75 and over, saving a swift £159 per year.
This benefit can be claimed by applying online or by contacting TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117. Military pension benefits are also most commonly claimed by pensioners over the age of 70, according to Lottie, even though they are not specifically targeted at this age group.
Included in this pension benefit category are the War Pension Scheme and the War Widow or Widower’s Pension. Both have various rates depending on factors such as your age, rank, pre-existing illnesses or injuries, and conditions developed or worsened as a result of serving in the UK Armed Forces.
The War Pension scheme, available to individuals who have served in the UK Armed Forces and suffered an injury or illness due to service before April 6, 2005, is awarded at two main levels.
A gratuity lump sum is given to those with a disablement less than 20%, while an ongoing weekly or monthly pension payment is provided for those with more than 20% disablement.
These payments can vary significantly, ranging from £40 a week to over £10,000 a year. Veterans of the 1914 and 1939 wars may be eligible to claim £140 a week through the War Disablement Pension, with amounts increasing to £160 for over 80s, £180 for over 90s and £200 a week for centenarians.
Applications for War Pension can be made via the Armed Forces Compensation or War Pension page.
Furthermore, the War Widow or Widower’s Pension offers financial compensation for the spouses and children of individuals who were killed in the Armed Forces or died later due to an injury sustained during their service. This also has various tax-free rates depending on age, personal circumstances and the rank of the person who was in the Armed Forces.
A war widow or widower aged 70 and over could claim £184.95 a week, or £739 a month. To qualify, their spouse or civil partner must have died as a result of their service before April 6, 2005. Additional eligibility criteria can be found on the government website.
